A filbert-tipped synthetic brush for washes, filters, and broad controlled strokes.
Vallejo’s Shader brushes are described as soft synthetic brushes with a filbert tip, giving them versatility and strong paint-loading capacity for washes and filters. That makes Shader one of the more painterly shapes in Vallejo’s hobby range: softer than a rigid flat, more rounded than a standard brush, and especially useful when coverage and transition are both needed. Compared with Effects, Shader is more specialised for washes and filters. Compared with Blender, it is less about angled edge control and more about smooth, defined strokes with a rounded silhouette. In miniature and model work, that combination is valuable for broad shading, panel modulation, and fluid effects where a filbert’s soft edge performs better than a sharp flat. hobbyheaven
What makes this brush special
This brush should feel soft, rounded, and generous with paint. The filbert tip lets it spread slightly under pressure and then recover into a neat edge, which helps with smooth strokes and controlled shading. Because the fibres are described as soft and high-loading, the brush is likely best at laying down fluid paint evenly rather than drawing razor-sharp lines. malcsmodels.co
Medium compatibility
Acrylic
Best with properly thinned acrylics, especially for detail and glazing.
Miniature Paints
Works well with fluid hobby acrylics for detail, layering and controlled basecoating.
Great for
Washes and filters on miniatures and models.
Broad shading and controlled soft strokes.
Work that benefits from a filbert’s rounded edge and good paint load.
Technique & use
Basecoating
Glazing & Blending
General Painting
Less ideal for
Crisp geometric edges or fine linework.
Rough texture applications.
Size chart coming soon — variant dimensions not yet populated for this series.
How to care for your brush
Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap after use so wash residue does not stay trapped in the rounded tip. Keep the filbert shape intact by reshaping gently and storing the brush where it will not be crushed. Do not leave it standing in water, because that can distort the rounded head. If used with strong modelling media, clean according to the paint system, but always finish with a thorough rinse. mierce-miniatures
